You Said, We Did
How your voice has made a difference
This page provides an opportunity to see the valuable feedback received from students across a wide range of communication channels, and to see what the OU has done in response.
Choose a topic from the drop-down list below to see how students can have an impact on their university experience and be empowered to help shape the University. Next time you are asked to give your opinion, you know that the OU is taking this feedback seriously and will respond.
You said...
I didn't understand what I needed to do to pass the module at first but it became clearer as the course went on. Yes it was clear that TMA4 was necessary to pass the course. I thought that everything, including the iCMA's, had to be fully completed to pass. I didn't use the assessment calculator.
We did...
The module team has made a video to explain how to pass the modules, the different weightings of the assignments and the assessment strategy. This will be available to all students on the module website from 19J.
Curriculum Innovation - PVC- StudentsPosted on:
You said...
Personally, I found the workload to be very high around Christmas and had to request an extension for TMA02, as I had fallen behind. This may have been due to my inexperience in managing my study workload, however I don't think I was the only one struggling at that point in the course.
We did...
The module team has reconsidered the timing of some TMAs and has moved TMA02 and TMA03 for modules Y031 and Y033.
Curriculum Innovation - PVC- StudentsPosted on:
You said...
You wanted to see more colourful presentation of research…
We did...
…so we have made our website and reports fresh and colourful.
OU Students Association
Posted on:
You said...
You said that students should be involved in the early stages of research…
We did...
...so we have introduced the role of Student Voice Researcher to bring students in at the very beginning of projects.
Posted on:
You said...
You would like research to speak to students where they are…
We did...
...so we have created a Student Voice Twitter with a reach of over 800 students. During October, Freshers engaged with research questions via Twitter polls.
Posted on:
You said...
Students should be represented by people who are able to identify and address issues affecting students in a manner that is understanding, proactive and timely.
We did...
We currently have over 100 students volunteering within Academic Representation and Student Voice related roles, putting OU students at the heart of university decision making. As part of our Association strategy we have committed to work alongside the OU to develop a Code of Practice for Academic Representation, which will seek to be an agreement which enables us to offer better information about rep work and achievements to the wider student body.
Posted on:
You said...
There should be two-way communication between faculty and students on key issues, such as curriculum content.
We did...
The Faculty Association Representatives have this at the heart of their role. The Students Association conduct Faculty specific online chats in Freshers Week, which has the possibility to extend to other times in the year. Whilst this role in particular continues to develop, there may be the possibility for module websites to include relevant FAR details, as well as the opportunity for FARs to have reserved membership on our Senate Reference Group, and to work more closely with their faculty-specific academic services teams.
Posted on:
You said...
We should be holding the University to account and making sure it maintains the highest academic standards.
We did...
The Students Association continues to hold The University to account and keep The Open University mission at its core. We have membership of many University committees /working groups that are designed to influence policy. This right is enshrined in the Student Charter and Relationship Agreement and applies to any committee whose terms of reference affect the student experience.
Posted on:
You said...
There should be a clear agenda of what the Students Association wants to achieve, a strategy for achieving it, and a channel of communication that makes these things clear to students.
We did...
Our strategy continues to shape and influence the direction of travel for the Students Association and regular updates and outcomes are brought to each of the Central Executive Committee meetings for further information and input, of which all papers are available to our members via our website.
Posted on:
You said...
Communication strategies that recognise that not all students are ‘natural engagers’ and may value a range of channels. This could include a tutorial-type activity.
We did...
It is recognised that due to the vast number of OU students, there is no one method of communicating with students. When information is sent out all channels (email, social media, and signposting to / from website, post and mail) are utilised. We are committed to ensuring that students who do not use social media are able to access equivalent information through our website and via email. We also offer a mailing list for student who prefer to receive a digest of news via a monthly email.
Posted on:
Latest Opportunities
Student Voice Week – Shape Your OU (15–21 November)
At home / online
Sign up to the Student Voice and Student Consultation mailing list
At home / online
